A teenager has been charged with possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear that a shooting would be carried out at a Co Antrim school.

The 16-year-old, who cannot be named because of his age, appeared at Coleraine Youth Court on Tuesday.

The boy faces four charges relating to September 12 last year.

The first charge is that the boy had an 'imitation firearm with intent by means thereof to cause or to enable some other person to believe that unlawful violence would be used against staff and pupils of Our Lady of Lourdes School, Ballymoney, and another person'.

He is also charged with causing a nuisance to the public at Castle Street, Ballymoney - where the school is located - 'by making threats to commit a shooting at a school on social media'.

The boy is further charged with improper use of a public electronic communications network by sending a message, he knew to be false, 'for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety to another'.

The teenager faces a fourth charge that he had in his possession an 'indecent photograph or pseudo-photograph of children'.

The case was listed as the boy's first appearance in court in connection with the charges.

He stood as the charges were read and confirmed he understood what was being said.

A police officer said she believed she could connect the accused to the charges.

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A prosecutor said she was seeking a five week adjournment in connection with the case and said there are bail conditions.

District Judge Liam McNally released the boy on £100 bail with conditions which include a ban on him entering the grounds of Our Lady of Lourdes School and contacting staff; an internet ban and a ban on having access to any internet-enabled device.